Menu

Join Better Block PDX and Oregon Walks for the first ever Oregon Walkways: a celebration of public space along the historic Portland Park Blocks – north and south of Burnside. Kick-off walk from SW Ankeny & Broadway (Ankeny Square by Bailey’s Tap Room) to the International Open Street Summit at PSU at 11amon Saturday. Open to all ages and abilities.

Volunteer work parties – meetings – are open to the public and kid-friendly. Contact Volunteer.BetterBlockPDX@gmail.com if you want to hear updates. If your organization would like to host a meeting or get involved, reach out to us at BetterBlockPDX@gmail.com.

Thank you to everyone who made Better Broadway possible! For the first time in over 70 years people were able to experience a different vision for NE Broadway.

We heard a lot of feedback from people about the experiment, both in support of safer crossings and other pedestrian improvements and with concerns about the impacts of possible slower car traffic and confusion about car parking. We thank everyone who shared their thoughts with us. After hearing feedback, we scaled down the project and clarified parking. We will be looking at the data the city collected as well as our survey results and will produce and share a report in the next several months.

We welcome volunteers to help us make this report and continue outreach – contact us at volunteer.betterblockpdx@gmail.com to get involved. Our original outreach involved hand delivering flyers 3 separate times as well as emails through the NE Broadway Business Association, surrounding neighborhood associations, newsletters, and flyers on telephone poles. Any ideas on how we can improve this outreach are appreciated.

The future of NE Broadway has always been in the hands of those who use it. How our streets work impacts what kind of activities can occur in and around them. As our communities and expectations of our city change it is important to keep an open mind about what our streets should look like. We hope that we have inspired people that change is always possible.

Thank you all for the opportunity to build a better Broadway. We especially appreciate all the businesses who have supported this project. From expanding beyond your doors to financial support, the passion of the businesses on Broadway inspired all of us. Below are some pictures of the last week.

Better Block volunteers have spent a LOT of time with businesses on NE Broadway over the past few months. In recognition of a great place to work and live, and in gratitude for the time and energy the owners and employees put into building community, we have put together a local menu of our favorite culinary options. If you have an additional recommendation, let us know at Volunteer.BetterBlockPDX@gmail.com. Bon appetite – Broadway style!

In case you had not heard the bigger and Better Naito news, here is a list of media coverage for Better Naito’s re-opening. Have more to add to this list or want to get involved in this year’s cone deployment? Email us at BetterBlockPDX@gmail.com